Group strives to help the homeless

Special to The Record

Published Sunday, June 10, 2007

A diverse and talented group of citizens have been meeting for several months to investigate and discuss solutions to the plight of the homeless in St. Johns County. The group is comprised of new residents, members of churches and humanitarian groups, clergy and social services professionals. Their mission statement reads:

PUSH was formed to improve coordination and utilization of all the many resources available in St. Johns County to address the homeless population in the area.

We are resolved to advocate for the homeless at the city, county and state levels.

We will provide awareness and action through education and outreach activities.

We will assist in providing liaison between various agencies, churches and non profit organizations.

"We will work to ensure that any solution to homelessness comprises full services: human basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter and additional assistance including but not limited to medical, mental health, job training, family assistance, substance abuse counseling and child care."

The arrival of PUSH is particularly timely in light of the Department of Children and Families annual report on homeless conditions in Florida.

The homeless numbered 1,238 on Jan. 25, when the Emergency Services Homeless Coalition did their count. Of these, 251 individuals were children under the age of 18.

For information contact Mary Lawrence at mlawrenc@comcast.net or call 823-9585.